Hinge configuration for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). The electronic device may also include a base portion and a lid portion coupled to the base portion at a hinge configured such that the base portion and the lid portion can rotate between an open configuration of the electronic device and a closed configuration of the electronic device. The lid portion can include at least one segment that is to raise at least a portion of the base portion in response to a rotation toward the open configuration (e.g., opening the lid portion to access a touchpad or a keyboard of the electronic device, or to see a display of the electronic device).

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to hinge configurationsfor an electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way oflimitation in the FIGURES of the accompanying drawings, in which likereferences indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment ofan electronic device in an open configuration in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a side view ofthe electronic device;

FIG. 1C is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an orthogonalview of the electronic device;

FIG. 1D is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a side view ofthe electronic device in a closed position;

FIG. 1E is a simplified orthogonal view of the electronic device in aclosed position;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theelectronic device in accordance with one example implementation;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a side view of theelectronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a top view of theelectronic device.

The FIGURES of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as theirdimensions can be varied considerably without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description sets forth example embodiments ofapparatuses, methods, and systems relating to hinge configurations foran electronic device. Features such as structure(s), function(s), and/orcharacteristic(s), for example, are described with reference to oneembodiment as a matter of convenience; various embodiments may beimplemented with any suitable one or more of the described features.

Traditional electronic devices (e.g., laptops, notebook computers, etc.)rest on a flat surface as a user types on the keyboard, utilizes atouchpad, swipes an interface, etc. In this rigid horizontal plane ofwork, the user can experience muscle strain, eyestrain, etc. whileworking on the electronic device. Moreover, a pure horizontal work planedoes not contour to the natural human form for hands and arms.Additionally, the direct contact of the electronic device with thetabletop surface (on which it sits) inhibits the performance of antennasystems of the electronic device. For example, any composite materialthat is within the tabletop surface can create a disturbance thataffects antenna performance (e.g., due to electromagnetic induction,electromagnetic radiation being emitted, etc.). The disturbance mayinterrupt, obstruct, degrade, or otherwise limit the effectiveperformance of the antenna circuits. These effects can range from asimple degradation of data to a total loss of data. Hence, there areseveral drawbacks associated with current electronic device designs thatrest flush on a tabletop surface on which they are used.

Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronicdevice, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuitboard coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includesany type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). The electronicdevice may also include a base portion and a lid portion coupled to thebase portion at a hinge configured such that the base portion and thelid portion can rotate between an open configuration of the electronicdevice and a closed configuration of the electronic device. The lidportion can include at least one segment that is to raise at least aportion of the base portion in response to a rotation toward the openconfiguration (e.g., opening the lid portion to access a touchpad or akeyboard of the electronic device, or to see a display of the electronicdevice).

In more particular embodiments, the at least one segment comprises afirst foot segment and a second foot segment. The first foot segment andthe second foot segment are operable to contact a surface on which theelectronic device is to rest. The first foot segment can include aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connector that rotates as the lid portionrotates. Additionally, the second foot segment can include an audio jackconnector that rotates as the lid portion rotates.

In yet other implementations, the base portion includes a keyboard thatslopes in a downward direction in response to raising the base portion.A middle portion can be provided between the base portion and the lidportion, where the middle portion provides for a venting activityassociated with cooling electronic components provided in the apparatus.

An antenna can be coupled to the base portion, where the antenna can beraised as the lid portion is raised such that a distance is createdbetween the antenna and a surface on which the apparatus rests as thelid portion moves to the open configuration. In particularimplementations, a height of the antenna defines a maximum thicknessassociated with the apparatus.

In other example embodiments, the lid portion does not completelyoverlap the base portion. Additionally, a motherboard can be provided inthe base portion and a keyboard can be disposed on top of the baseportion. The motherboard can extend under the keyboard and then extendpast a point of rotation for the hinge. An intersection can be definedat the hinge such that ends of the lid portion and the base portionextend past each other in the open configuration. In the closedconfiguration, the ends of the lid portion and the base portion aresubstantially flush with each other.

Hinge Configuration for Electronic Device

FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment ofan electronic device 10 in an open configuration in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. Electronic device 10 may include akeyboard 12, a base portion 16, a touchpad 18, and a lid portion 14,which may include a display 26. Display 26 may be disposed within/onand/or supported by lid portion 14. In one or more embodiments, display26 is a screen that can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) displayscreen, a light-emitting diode (LED) display screen, an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a plasma display screen, orany other suitable display screen system.

In one or more embodiments, electronic device 10 is a notebook computeror laptop computer. In still other embodiments, electronic device 10 maybe any suitable electronic device having a display such as a mobiledevice, a tablet computer and/or a tablet device (e.g., an i-Pad), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, etc.

Electronic device 10 may also include a middle portion 24 that isprovided between base portion 16 and lid portion 14. Middle portion 24may aesthetically cover a hinge (or multiple hinges) that exists betweenbase portion 16 and lid portion 14. The hinge can define an axis ofrotation that is shared between base portion 16 and lid portion 14. Inone embodiment, base portion 16 and lid portion 14 are hingedly coupledvia multiple hinges (hidden from view) in a clamshell configuration.Note that in the example embodiment of FIG. 1A, lid portion 14 does notoverlap the entire system, as typically would be seen in laptop computerdesigns.

On the outside of middle portion 24 are multiple foot segments 20 a-20b. In a particular implementation, foot segments 20 a-20 b are integralto lid portion 14. In other implementations, foot segments 20 a-20 b aresuitably coupled to lid portion 14 in any appropriate manner. Inoperation, as lid portion 14 is opened, foot segments 20 a-2-b cancontact (e.g., grip, interface, meet with, etc.) a surface on whichelectronic device 10 is placed. By opening lid portion 14 (and,therefore, opening electronic device 10, foot segments 20 a-20 b of lidportion 14 effectively raise keyboard 12 a certain height. This slightangulation (e.g., between a tabletop surface and the bottom ofelectronic device 10) can provide an ergonomic characteristic for an enduser during typing activities. Additionally, this slight angulation canprovide an insulating distance to minimize electromagnetic interferenceassociated with antenna systems of electronic device 10, as furtherdetailed below.

Turning to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1B is a simplified schematic diagramillustrating a side view of electronic device 10. FIG. 1C is asimplified schematic diagram illustrating an orthogonal view ofelectronic device 10. FIG. 1D is a simplified schematic diagramillustrating a side view of electronic device 10 when electronic device10 is in a closed position. In the closed position, an obtuse angle isformed between the surfaces of lid portion 14 and base portion 16, as isdepicted. FIG. 1E is a simplified orthogonal view of electronic device10 when it is in a closed position. Again, the obtuse angle is beingdepicted as the surfaces of base portion 16 and lid portion 14 cometogether in the closed configuration.

Turning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram illustratinga side view of electronic device 10 in accordance with one exampleimplementation. This particular embodiment includes a battery 30, amotherboard 32, a thermal spreader 34, a plurality of connectors 38(e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors (e.g., in compliance withthe USB 3.0 Specification), Thunderbolt™ connectors, WiFi connectors, anon-standard connection point such as a docking connector, etc.), and aplurality of antennas 40. [Thunderbolt™ and the Thunderbolt logo aretrademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.]

In one example embodiment, motherboard 32 is a general circuit boardthat can hold various components of the internal electronic system ofelectronic device 10. The components may include a central processingunit (CPU), a memory, etc. Motherboard 32 can also couple to one or moreconnectors 38 in order to accommodate other peripherals sought to beused by a user of electronic device 10. More specifically, motherboard32 can provide the electrical connections by which the other componentsof the system can communicate.

Any processors (inclusive of digital signal processors, microprocessors,supporting chipsets, etc.), memory elements, etc. can be suitablycoupled to motherboard 32 based on particular configuration needs,processing demands, computer designs, etc. Other components such asexternal storage, controllers for video display, sound, and peripheraldevices may be attached to motherboard 32 as plug-in cards, via cables,or integrated into the motherboard itself.

Antennas 40 are electrical components that convert electric currentsinto radio waves. In a particular embodiment, antennas 40 areencompassed within a slightly arcing design, as is being illustrated inFIG. 2. Alternatively, any suitable housing, design, configuration,arrangement, etc. can be used in order to deploy antennas 40. Antennas40 can be used for both transmitting and receiving signals. Inparticular examples, antennas 40 can be associated with WiFi activities,wireless connections more generally, small cell deployments, Bluetooth,802.11, etc.

In operation, as lid portion 14 effectively opens electronic device 10into an open configuration, antennas 40 are slightly raised from thesurface on which electronic device 10 is resting. The distance betweenthis surface and antennas 40 can provide an insulating barrier thatinhibits interference associated with antenna performance. For example,any tabletop surface that includes conductive materials (e.g., metal,alloys, composites, etc.) would interfere with antenna activity. Byslightly raising antennas 40 as lid portion 14 is opened, suchinterference is effectively minimized. In more specific embodiments, theactual antenna design/structure accounts for the entire maximumthickness of electronic device 10. This height allows for more internalreal estate for motherboard components. The antennas themselves can beany suitable combination of aluminum, composite, plastics, etc.

In a particular embodiment, motherboard 32 extends under keyboard 12,past the point of rotation for the hinge. Bottom portion 16 includesantenna 40, which can extend past a vertical plane coincident with lidportion 14. Hence, an intersection is defined at the hinge, where therespective ends of lid portion 14 and base portion 16 extend past eachother. In at least a general sense, an X-configuration is being definedbetween an end of lid portion 14 and an end of base portion 16. Aselectronic device 10 moves from the open position to the closedposition, the back ends of base portion 16 and lid portion 14 create ascissor-like paradigm. In the fully closed position, these back ends areflush, which can provide an aesthetic characteristic for electronicdevice 10.

Connectors 38 can rotate with lid portion 14, as the lid is opened andclosed. Note that any suitable input/output (I/O) connectors (e.g., USB,Thunderbolt™, audio connectors, etc.) can be provisioned withinelectronic device 10. In a particular implementation, an audio jackconnector may be provided on a surface of foot segment 20 a, while a USBconnector may be provided on a surface of foot segment 20 b. Note thatpower can flow through the USB connector, as it is not necessary to havea separate power jack in certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustratinga side view of electronic device 10 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. It should be noted that in typical laptopcomputer configurations, electronic components are arbitrarilypositioned under the keyboard in a limited spatial area. Stated indifferent terminology, the components are simply positioned based on abest-fit scenario in the context of limited circuit board real estate.One objective in designing any laptop computer is to engender a userexperience that is uncompromised by space constraints, processingactivities, display area, etc. imposed by the components themselves. Incontrast to other systems, the motherboard component placement layout ofelectronic device 10 is optimized and, furthermore, arranged accordingto component heights or sizes to properly fit into the system. This isgenerally being illustrated at an arrow 52 of FIG. 3.

Note that the top row of function keys on keyboard 12 is strategicallydesigned to allow taller components to be inserted in the area underthese keys. For example, additional components can be positioned belowthe function keys and can suitably be coupled to motherboard 32. Hence,an arrow 56 is generally indicating the top row function keys on thekeyboard, which are designed with less key travel to allow additionalspace for the motherboard components.

In this particular example of FIG. 3, motherboard routing traces canextend under keyboard 12, as generally indicated by an arrow 50. In aparticular embodiment, where there is limited space for components underkeyboard 12, components can be strategically positioned in other areasof electronic device 10. This allows for a smaller, tighter motherboardconfiguration. In one particular implementation, thermal spreader 34 isprovisioned in the thicker area of the hinge of electronic device 10(i.e., in middle portion 24). The full system height for the CPU packageand thermal spreader is shown generally at an arrow 54.

Turning to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram illustratinga top view of electronic device 10. This particular embodiment includesa plurality of taller motherboard components 62 (positioned next to thekeyboard), a plurality of speakers and thermal vents 64, and a pluralityof input/output (I/O) connections and lid hinges that are generallyshown at an arrow 66. Also provided in FIG. 4 are additional batterymotherboard components 70. These additional motherboard components couldbe replaced by additional antennas, additional components, etc. An arrow70 generally indicates the motherboard extending under the keyboard toallow for appropriate routing. In addition, FIG. 4 includes a USBconnector 74, along with an I/O on the lid provided in the same area.

The particular embodiment of FIG. 4 also includes a system on chip (SOC)central processing unit (CPU) package 60. An SOC represents anintegrated circuit (IC) that integrates components of a computer orother electronic system into a single chip. It may contain digital,analog, mixed-signal, and often radio frequency functions: all of whichmay be provided on a single chip substrate.

Note that as ambient air flows through the back of electronic device 10(both on the left and right side of middle portion 24), a chimney effectis achieved for venting and cooling purposes. In one particularimplementation, a fan would not be necessary in electronic device 10based on this venting. In alternative embodiments, a fan can bepositioned at the top of base portion 16 (e.g., positioned based on itsheight). The actual venting can be dual-purpose, providing speakerventilation, along with helping to aerate the system from several sides.

In a particular embodiment, touchpad 18 is a pointing device thatfeatures a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can translate themotion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position onscreen. Touchpad 18 can be used in place of a mouse (e.g., where deskspace is scarce or based on user preference). Touchpad 18 can operateusing capacitive sensing, conductance sensing, or any other appropriatesensing technology. In a particular embodiment, battery 30 can beprovisioned proximate to touchpad 18 in order to power its operations.

Although in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4 foot segments 20a-20 b are illustrated as being generally rectangular in shape, in stillother embodiments of electronic device 10, foot segments 20 a-20 b canbe of any suitable size, shape, dimensions, placements, etc. Forexample, these foot segments 20 a-20 b can be oval, square, generallyrectangular with rounded corners, or any other suitable shapes.

It is imperative to note that all of the specifications, dimensions, andrelationships outlined herein (e.g., height, width, length, materials,etc.) have only been offered for purposes of example and teaching only.Each of these data may be varied considerably without departing from thespirit of the present disclosure, or the scope of the appended claims.The specifications apply only to one non-limiting example and,accordingly, they should be construed as such. In the foregoingdescription, example embodiments have been described. Variousmodifications and changes may be made to such embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the appended claims. The description anddrawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather thana restrictive sense.

Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, andmodifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it isintended that the present disclosure encompass all such changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims. In order to assist the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and, additionally, anyreaders of any patent issued on this application in interpreting theclaims appended hereto, Applicant wishes to note that the Applicant: (a)does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph six (6)of 35 U.S.C. section 112 as it exists on the date of the filing hereofunless the words “means for” or “step for” are specifically used in theparticular claims; and (b) does not intend, by any statement in thespecification, to limit this disclosure in any way that is not otherwisereflected in the appended claims.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT IMPLEMENTATIONS

One particular example implementation may include means for contacting asurface on which an electronic device is to rest in response to anactuation of a hinge of the electronic device, which includes a lidportion and a base portion. In addition, this particular embodiment mayalso include means for raising at least a portion of the base portion adistance from the surface on which the electronic device is to rest whenthe electronic device is in an open configuration. In more specificimplementations, the lid portion comprises a first foot segment and asecond foot segment for contacting the surface. Additionally, the firstfoot segment can include a USB connector or a Thunderbolt™ connectorthat is to rotate as the lid portion rotates. In addition, the baseportion and the lid portion can rotate between the open configurationand a closed configuration.

1.-25. (canceled)
 26. A tablet computer comprising: a keyboard portionincluding a keyboard; and a display portion including a display, whereinthe display portion and the keyboard portion is configurable in aclamshell configuration at a hinge such that the keyboard portion anddisplay portion can rotate between an open position and a closedposition of the tablet computer, wherein, when the tablet computer isplaced on a surface, at least a first portion of the keyboard portion isconfigured to be raised from the surface when in the open position. 27.The tablet computer of claim 26, wherein an end of the display portionis configured to couple with the keyboard portion.
 28. The tabletcomputer of claim 26, wherein a first end of the keyboard that isproximal to the display portion is raised relative to a second end ofthe keyboard that is distal to the display portion when in the openposition.
 29. The tablet computer of claim 26, wherein the at least aportion of the display portion extends past a bottom surface of thekeyboard portion when in the open position.
 30. The tablet computer ofclaim 26, wherein the keyboard is accessible when the tablet computer isin the open position.
 31. The tablet computer of claim 26, wherein thekeyboard portion further includes a trackpad.
 32. A tablet computercomprising: a keyboard portion including a keyboard; and a displayportion including a display, wherein the display portion and thekeyboard portion is configurable in a clamshell configuration such thatthe keyboard portion and display portion can rotate between an openposition and a closed position of the tablet computer, wherein a portionof the display portion is configured to raise at least a portion of thekeyboard portion when in the open position.
 33. The tablet computer ofclaim 32, wherein an end of the display portion is configured to couplewith the keyboard portion.
 34. The tablet computer of claim 32, whereinthe display portion and the keyboard portion rotates between an openposition and a closed position at a hinge.
 35. The tablet computer ofclaim 32, wherein a first end of the keyboard that is proximal to thedisplay portion is raised relative to a second end of the keyboard thatis distal to the display portion when in the open position
 36. Thetablet computer of claim 32, wherein the keyboard is accessible when thetablet computer is in the open position.
 37. The tablet computer ofclaim 32, wherein the at least a portion of the display portion extendspast a bottom surface of the keyboard portion when in the open position.38. The tablet computer of claim 32, wherein the keyboard portionfurther includes a trackpad.
 39. The tablet computer of claim 38,wherein the trackpad is accessible when the tablet computer is in theopen position.